Hands on Review- 2014 TAG Heuer Link Calibre 7 GMT

The Link may be one of the lower-profile TAG Heuer model series, but there have been a couple of interesting models over the last 12 months, such as the Calibre 18 Chronograph from last year and this watch- the 2014 TAG Heuer Link Calibre 7 GMT. Second time-zone models have been part of the Link range for the last decade or so, many of which have tried to develop a more interesting approach to displaying the function.

Available in three dial colours, the new Link joins the Carrera as the second TAG Heuer series offering the GMT complication…although we do hear whispers that there are GMT variants of two other series coming in the next couple of months, so stay tuned.

We first saw the new Link GMT at Baselworld where it was part of TAG Heuer’s 2014 display, but this is the first chance to spend some proper time with both models in person.

Design

The new watch uses the same 42mm stainless steel case as the Link Calibre 5 Day-Date, offering a pleasing size given its relative thin profile combined with a larger diameter. The Link of course continues to be defined by its bracelet (featuring the “Double-S” links” as much as any other element of the watch.

While the Link continues to fly under the radar for most, I think that the most recent design is a clever one, with a cushion-shaped bezel and clear, open dials.

Speaking of dials, it’s the dial that really sets the GMT apart from the rest of the current Link range, so let’s take a closer look.

Dial

The dial keeps the vertical streak pattern of the Link, but with a second internal dial that allows the second-time zone to be read. While the more typical GMT dial would have the GMT scale on the same outer-flange as the minutes, this solution offers a much clearer way of reading the second time-zone without cluttering the dial. It’s a simple and good-looking design, and one no doubt influenced by the Rolex Sky-Dweller.

History of the TAG Heuer Link GMT

A GMT model has long been part of the Link range, with three previous models over the last 10 years, starting with the watch that looks like a Chronograph- but isn’t.

2005 Link GMT- Ref. WJF2115

This Link goes back to a time when Tiger Woods was the series Ambassador, and there were several models released with Burgundy highlights. This watch uses an interesting movement from Dubois-Depraz called the Calibre 312. Based on the ETA 2892-A2, Dubois-Depraz added a GMT module and date function at 6 o’clock. There are three buttons on the watch:

2006/7 Link GMT Calibre 7- Ref. WJF2116

The next Link model used a more conventional approach, thanks to using an ETA 2893-2, which is the ETA-developed GMT version of the 2892 and the same movement used in the 2014 model. The date on this watch returns to the traditional 3 o’clock position.

2010 Link Advanced- Ref. WJ2010

The 2010 Advanced GMT had a novel approach to time-zones, with a rotating bezel turning the small dial at the 6 0’clock window via magnets. To make the watch work, you first had to set your home city/ time-zone by pressing a small hidden button on the side of the case at 10 o’clock.

While the method of moving time zones was different, the watch used the same ETA-supplied movement as its predecessor.

Movement- Calibre 7

TAG Heuer offer two different movements called Calibre 7- the standard time-only Calibre 7 (ETA 2892) and the GMT calibre 7 (ETA 2893), which is the same movement but with ETA’s factory-fitted GMT module. As you can see below, the Calibre 7 GMT is controlled by the crown, which has three positions rather than the usual two.

Link Calibre 7 Silver Dial- Ref. WAT201B

The Silver dial model uses a Red Triangle on the GMT hand, which makes the second-time zone very easy to read. As with most Link models, your only option is the bracelet.

In addition to the Silver dial, you can also get a Black-dial version also with the stainless steel markers.

Link Calibre 7 Anthracite Dial- Ref. WAT201C

The other colour combination on offer is an Anthracite dial with Rose Gold (plated) highlights- indexes, hands and a Rose Gold coloured logo.

I felt that this was the more interesting of the colour combinations…the rose gold looks great in contrast with the gun-metal grey dial.

Price and Availability

The 2014 TAG Heuer Link Calibre 7 GMT is now available in most markets, with Swiss pricing of CHF3,100 for the stainless steel duo and CHF3,300 for the Rose-Gold model.

***

Jorge

Owned a TAG Link ten years ago, I see little improvement in this new one. I purchased a new aerospace evo to replace an old one I sold, the difference in quality is significant. Same can be said for my 2012 Sub vs my 2006 Sub. TAG is still rocking push pins in their bracelet? Sad.

Attila

Hello Jorge. I’m interested your comments on quality and would like to compare with other brands. What brand would you recommend in this same price range which lives up to the quality you describe?

Jorge

Deleted my comment because it isn't cheerleading? Nice. Good luck with your blog.

TAG is slowly becoming the bulova of watches whether you want to admit it or not. High end models that no one ever sees and only a TAG nutcase could justify buying don't make a brand. The core watches like their Link matter and they look and feel cheap. Not one picture of the clasp or mention of why the bracelet uses link pins like a $100 watch bought at a cheap department store. They do it because it keeps costs down, but you already know this. Acceptable on a $3000 watch? I don't think so.

The brand may sell well but for true watch fans TAG has little to offer these days. You should call them out on this but instead you only cheerlead the brand. Bye TAG, I'll always have good memories of my 2000 series.

Don’t know what you mean Jorge- your comment is live for everyone to see and always has been.

I don’t take down negative comments and never have.

Attila

Hello Jorge, I’m interested your comments on quality and would like to compare with other brands. What brand would you recommend in this same price range which lives up to the quality you describe?

Attila

I’m interested Jorge’s comments on quality and would like to compare with other brands. Jorge, what brand would you recommend in this same price range which lives up to the quality you describe?

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